I’ve had fairly just a few dangerous races in my previous. There have been loads of instances that I used to be under-trained—or hungover. Instances I used to be too drained, too hungry, too full, too thirsty. There may be one race that stands out in my thoughts because the worst race I’ve ever run. That race was Hood to Coast 2018. So, not only one race however a set of three. From that one expertise, I realized many issues to keep away from doing sooner or later.
Whereas I used to be undertrained for Hood to Coast final 12 months, I used to be additionally fairly off form for Wild Rogue Relay this 12 months. I nonetheless managed to have a good time and never really feel like I used to be the worst athlete ever on the finish. Resulting from my expertise final 12 months, I used to be capable of make some modifications to not solely my working preparation—weight loss plan, hydration, and so on.—but in addition to my angle.
Lesson 1 – Hydration
Traditionally throughout relays, I’m not adequately hydrated. I overlook to drink the quantity of water I want. Not solely that, however I neglect to switch the sodium I lose throughout my run. I’ve been a staunch anti-sports drink runner for the previous few years, however I lately learn Matt Fitzgerald’s e-book Efficiency Diet for Runners. In case you haven’t learn this e-book, test it out—it has some helpful info between its pages.
Fitzgerald means that runners devour a sports activities drink earlier than they run. It masses you up with carbs, sodium, and provides you a lift of hydration. I attempted this throughout the Wild Rogue Relay, and I used to be pleasantly stunned at how effectively it labored. I didn’t really feel as sluggish or thirsty throughout my legs.
Lesson 2 – Chafing
Oh goodness, how I chafed throughout my final leg of HTC ’18. I used to be carrying an inexpensive hydration vest and a tank prime with skinny shoulder straps. The pack didn’t match; it moved round so much and rubbed my collarbones for over 7 miles. I nonetheless have scars on my collarbone the place that silly hydration vest rubbed.
What did I be taught? Watch out the way you pack and purchase a greater hydration vest! I’ve a brand new one that matches significantly better now. It matches snuggly and doesn’t jostle round whereas I’m working. I additionally take care to pack tank tops with vast shoulders that may trip beneath a security or hydration vest.
Lesson 3 – Bonking
I hate the dreaded bonk. It felt like I used to be in a continuing state of bonk throughout my first and third legs final 12 months. I had no vitality.
This 12 months, I targeted on what I wanted to do to keep away from bonking throughout my WRR legs. I made certain I ate higher throughout this 12 months’s relay, the sports activities drink helped with additional sodium and carbs, and I made certain I had Gu with me on my lengthier legs.
Once more, Fitzgerald’s e-book helped me provide you with a great plan to maintain my vitality stage up whereas I used to be working.
Lesson 4 – Exhaustion & Lead Ft
I used to be so exhausted throughout my third leg of HTC and had a troublesome time choosing my ft up as I ran. I tripped over my foot and did a full-on hand and knee skid by gravel. Not solely did it damage like loopy, nevertheless it was embarrassing too. I had a gaggle of runners behind me who witnessed all the silly occasion. They had been good, although, and requested if I used to be okay. Apart from the dripping blood and ripped leggings, the one factor damaged was my satisfaction.
I attempted to get extra sleep throughout WRR, however we had so as to add an additional day onto our journey for the lengthy drive to southern Oregon. I used to be already bone-tired earlier than we began working. I needed to remind myself to select up my ft throughout my final run so I wouldn’t have a repeat harm. There may be nothing worse than falling in entrance of a bunch of individuals.
Lesson 5 – Fueling
My final expertise has every part to do with consuming appropriately. Throughout HTC ’18, I didn’t pack the proper meals. I believe I had three almond butter and honey English muffins, and that was it. What was I considering? Fortunate for me, I used to be capable of bum some meals from my van mates.
This 12 months I deliberate slightly higher and took benefit of some actual meals on the main exchanges. There may be nothing fairly like a backyard salad and an enormous baked potato with all of the dairy (butter, bitter cream, and cheese) to revive a drained runner.
That wasn’t the very best factor I ate, nevertheless. The meals that tasted like heaven was Hen in a Biscuit crackers. They’re so salty and carb-o-licious. They had been the right snack after a run.
I additionally actually loved the salami and cheese I introduced with me. Getting protein in your physique proper after a exercise is so helpful to your muscle tissues, and it tastes improbable too.
Have you ever realized some priceless classes throughout considered one of your worst races? I’d love to listen to about them.
